Violating Massachusetts driving and traffic laws can result in fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, and even imprisonment. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) uses a surcharge point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

[edit] MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different surcharge point values, which are added to your driving record. For instance, moving violations like careless driving, failure to observe traffic signals, moving against traffic and failure to yield at an intersection attract various points. In Massachusetts the insurance companies and RMV work together to determine the best rates based on your driving record. The number of points assessed for different violations are as follows:

Exceeding the maximum speed limit: 2 surcharge points

Minor At-Fault Accident (claim between $500 and $2,000):3 surcharge points

Major At-Fault Accident (claim over $2,000): 4 surcharge points

Major Traffic Violation (like D.U.I.):5 surcharge points

View the Safe Driver Insurance Plan to learn about the number of surcharge points associated with each type of moving violation.

[edit] PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license:

1. You will have your license suspended for 30 days if you are found speeding three times within a period of 12 months.
2. If you exceed five surchargeable events within three years, you will need to re-take the driver license course. This should be done within 90 days, else your license remains suspended till you complete the course.
3. For more than seven surchargeable events within three years, your license remains suspended for 60 days.
4. If you are less than 18 years of age, you will have your license suspended for 90 days if you are caught speeding for the first time; and for a year, if caught again.
5. If you are less than 18 years of age, your license will be suspended for one year if you are caught drag racing for the first time; and for three years, if caught again.
6. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

Apart from the above penalties, your license may also be suspended for other criminal violations.

[edit] HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Massachusetts RMV maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. Taking a Defensive Driving Course enables you to deduct points from your current driving record, and may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.
2. An Excellent Driver Discount enables you to reduce the premium by 7%, by maintaining a good driving record for 5 years, and if the good driving can be maintained for the sixth year, then your premium gets reduced by 17%.

[edit] HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for parking or other non-moving violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.